Choir raises the roof for charity

When Pyecombe villagers met for the first time at the new Wayfield Park Farm Shop last October to form a choir, they had no idea of the success they would achieve!

Their prime objective was to revive carol singing in the village but as it happened they had two engagements before venturing out on a cold frosty night to sing to their neighbours.

Resident conductor, Jane Money, was delighted to discover that the 14 or so singers were able to sing in parts from the word go: “I started the first rehearsal gingerly with some vocal warm-ups and a round but soon realised that actually these people could sing and that we were going to have a lot of fun!”

When it came to the door to door carol singing on 19th December, members wanted to collect a bit of money for a local charity. Pyecombe resident, Fran Playford, had been incredibly busy raising money for the new Sussex MacMillan Cancer Support Centre (which is due to open in August 2015) and her amazing efforts inspired the choir to take up her cause.

“We only expected to raise £50 or so,” said one choir member, “After all, Pyecombe is a very small village”. In the event, the choir raised a staggering £240.48! Choir members are pictured here with Jane Money, Fran Playford, Liz Saitch (Farm Shop Manager) and also Julia Lenton, Manager of the Sussex Cancer Fund (centre lef t-right). The choir is continuing to rehearse this year and will be singing at various village events.